Get to Know Us!
We are a group of long time horse lovers, owners, and riders; as such, we understand just how important it is to advocate for our equine partners. We are dedicated to providing our riders with saddle fit solutions that foster long-term success, both in and out of the saddle! Each member of our team is well-established within the equine community; our diverse connections to the industry have shaped a strong understanding of equine wellness and performance, built upon our collective passion for horses and riding. We look forward to working with you!
Rose Schwinghamer
Owner/Saddle Fitter
Alberta + Florida
Born in Montreal, QC, Rose spent much of her childhood in St-Henri, a borough of Montreal with a rich history of leather tanneries, thus developing an appreciation of quality leather craft. Horses have always held a major role in Rose’s life, and lead her to pursue a Masters of Veterinary Sciences from the University of Calgary in 2014. Upon graduation, Rose worked for the University of Calgary in the Veterinary Anatomy Department, allowing her to further explore and develop her passion for equine physiology. Being thoroughly dedicated not only to the physiology of horses but to the equestrian sport itself, Rose is also an Equestrian Canada NCCP certified Instructor. Rose has been involved with saddle fit for more than a decade and was most recently recognized for successfully launching Devoucoux Saddles in Canada in 2017. Following this accomplishment, Rose proudly launched CommonWealth Saddles in 2019. When Rose is not busy working hard at ensuring horse and rider are making into their perfectly fit saddles, she spends her time lessoning on her own two horses, running, gardening and occasionally coaching.
Nicole Larson
Saddle Fitter
BC + California
Nicole was brought into horses by her step mom who was an upper level event rider and ex race horse jockey. She loves the competitive arena and has many years of experience competing in the hunter, jumper, and dressage rings, however her heart will always lay in eventing. By her teenage years, Nicole was retraining ottbs for a breeder and began coaching at 17. In college, she obtained business and marketing education while starting young sport horses and apprenticing with a local body worker. She continued her own equine journey and has had the opportunity to work with some of the greats in the industry with her own horses as well as client horses, and still to this day takes multiple riding lessons per week, and believes strongly in continuing education throughout her career. Nicole has been coaching for over 15 years and has an established training program developing young sport horses and riders. Nicole is also a certified body worker. When Nicole isn’t working, you can find her producing her own horses, at clinics, shows and events and of course spending time with her family.
Virginie Morrow
Saddle Fitter
Eastern Canada + USA
Virginie’s background in developing young sport horses is unrivalled, and her vast knowledge set regarding equine movement and development is widely appreciated, especially when fitting for competitive clients. Virginie previously fit for Devoucoux Saddles from France, and she understands exactly how important it is that both horse and rider are comfortable, as well as where riders need to be in the saddle to allow them to help their horses accomplish the career they were bred for. In addition to working with CommonWealth Saddles, Virginie also runs a bustling competitive team and riding school in Montreal. Virginie is an essential part of the team and brings her extensive equestrian background as a rider and coach to CommonWealth Saddles. As a competitive rider herself (Eventing), she is well rounded in all aspects of sport, and healthy development of horses. She can “talk-the-talk and walk-the-walk” and is certainly an important member of our team.
Lyndsey Gruber
Saddle Fitter
Midwest USA
Lyndsey has been riding and working with horses since 2001 when she took her first working student job with a hunter/jumper and Morgan Show Horse program in Kansas. Since then she has had the opportunity to work, ride and learn from some incredible coaches and trainers across various disciplines, everything from hunter/jumpers to natural horsemanship to saddle seat and eventing. Lyndsey has been working as a saddle fitter since 2017, and is also a certified Pilates instructor. She is a true believer in a holistic approach to riding that includes developing strength in both the horse and rider and ensuring that riders aren’t fighting against their tack. Her passion for helping horses and riders perform at their absolute best goes hand in hand with the Commonwealth philosophy and she’s loved seeing the changes in her clients horses when they experience the freedom of movement Meyer saddles allow.
Emily Eades
Saddle Manager
Emily is out Saddle Manager extraordinaire; she is in charge of knowing where all our saddles are at all times! Along with this she helps with a lot of the “behind the scene” tasks, such as putting orders together, shipping and answering all of Rose’s questions. “I started riding when I was eight, and with my long-lasting devotion to this sport, I was thrilled to join the team. I had the pleasure to work with Rose back in 2017, and have watched her grow her company over the years. I said yes to the opportunity as I know all the hard work and devotion that goes into this. I am very thrilled to see CommonWealth Saddles continue to flourish, and I am so glad to be part of it!” On her weekends off, Emily is often found in the mountains where she enjoys a range of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and skiing!
Jennifer Alexander
Director of Operations
As our Operations Manager, Jen is responsible for the behind the scenes tasks that allow the fitters do what they do best – fit! Her goal is to work alongside the team to give the CommonWealth community the premier experience they have come to know and love. Jen fell in love with horses at age eleven and quickly found herself spending all of her time helping out at the barn. Having taught beginner and intermediate lessons for a few years, Jen took time to focus on schooling and joined the equestrian team at her University in the United Kingdom. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t volunteering to teach, groom, or catch ride – I’ve just always wanted to fill my time with horses! I’m so grateful to join the CommonWealth team and continue working in the equestrian community.” When she’s not at the barn, Jen can be found walking her Labrador Issy, or traveling with her husband, Peter.
Erin Kay
Social Media & Marketing
Previously a CWS rider, Erin joined the team as our Social Media & Marketing Manager. She is responsible for effectively delivering our brand image across our social media platforms, with a focus on content creation and client engagement. Erin has been heavily involved in the equine industry for the past 13 years, spending lots of time riding, grooming, and working in various hunter jumper barns around the Edmonton area. When Erin isn't working, you will likely find her spending time with her horse, dog, and family or enjoying the outdoors!
